Motherhood as a Sin: The KidHelen SmithCollege

Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid appears to be a light-hearted film about companionship, fighting, and trickery, but an examination from a cultural standpoint reveals the film’s intellectual depth. Chaplin illustrates the will to survive despite the degrading aspects of capitalism through his struggle to raise the kid he discovered. When Chaplin first finds a baby abandoned on the street, he picks it up out of compassion and attempts to return it. Since car thieves transported the child from his mother, Chaplin fails at his quest. Charlie, a poor bachelor, considers himself unfit to care for a child and attempts to place the child in the care of several pedestrians. The police thwart his plans and remain unreceptive as he tries to explain. Ultimately, Chaplin discovers the note attached to the baby and decides to raise the child as his own. This is the only viable option for Chaplin, who cannot turn to the law or civilians for help. He must raise the child.

Even though Chaplin's character lacks the resources to provide adequately for himself, he provides for the kid. Chaplin makes a living, not through gainful employment, but instead by systematically destroying property and rebuilding it at a fee. The police uncover Chaplin’s ruse...